Read the Bible
KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 12:21–24

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Share
Email linkOpen a new message in your email app
Read chapterReport issue
More

PASSAGE SELECTION

Build from either side

4 selected · 24 available

Add or remove verses within this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

All 42 ranked passages are available for comparison.

Proverbs 12:21Cross-references · 10 ranked passages

  1. Open

    13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

  2. Open

    10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

  3. Open

    28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

  4. Open

    12¶ Therefore thou shalt speak unto them this word; Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall say unto thee, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?

    13Then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the kings that sit upon David’s throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness.

    14And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the Lord: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them.

  5. Open

    31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

  6. Open

    22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

    23And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

  7. Open

    16Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the Lord’s right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.

  8. Open

    14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

  9. Open

    6Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

  10. Open

    17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Proverbs 12:22Cross-references · 11 ranked passages

  1. Open

    6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

  2. Open

    20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

  3. Open

    16¶ These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

    17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

  4. Open

    15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

  5. Open

    24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

  6. Open

    15The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

  7. Open

    1A FALSE balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.

  8. Open

    22Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:

  9. Open

    8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

  10. Open

    19And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

  11. Open

    8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Proverbs 12:23Cross-references · 7 ranked passages

  1. Open

    16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

  2. Open

    19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

  3. Open

    13A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

  4. Open

    14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

  5. Open

    2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

  6. Open

    12The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

    13The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

    14A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

  7. Open

    3Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

Proverbs 12:24Cross-references · 14 ranked passages

  1. Open

    27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

  2. Open

    4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

  3. Open

    25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

    26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

  4. Open

    4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

  5. Open

    15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

  6. Open

    29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

  7. Open

    28And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.

  8. Open

    15And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.

  9. Open

    2A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

  10. Open

    13The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

  11. Open

    21Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day.

  12. Open

    13The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

    14As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

    15The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

    16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

  13. Open

    30I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

    31And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

    32Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

    33Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

    34So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

  14. Open

    20And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:21

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

happen

↗

To light; to fall or come unexpectedly. To come by chance; to come without one’s previous expectation; to fall out. To come; to befall.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

filled

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of fill. Sense 1: To make full or occupy capacity. Sense 2: To satisfy. Sense 3: To occupy. Sense 4: To complete what is lacking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:22

COMBINED MEANING

lying

↗

1. Reclining, resting, remaining, or being situated in a place. 2. Speaking or representing what is false or deceptive. 3. Lying with a person; having sexual intercourse.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lips

↗

Sense 1: The physical borders of the mouth. Sense 2: By extension, speech or utterance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

abomination

↗

Sense 1: A person, thing, act, practice, creature, or condition regarded as detestable or loathsome. Sense 2: An idol or idolatrous thing so regarded.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

deal

↗

Sense 1: A portion, share, or measured quantity. Sense 2: To distribute, conduct oneself, or act toward another.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

truly

↗

According to truth; in agreement with fact; Sincerely; honestly; really; faithfully; Exactly; justly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

delight

↗

Sense 1: To take or give great pleasure or satisfaction. Sense 2: A high degree of pleasure or satisfaction of mind; joy.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:23

COMBINED MEANING

prudent

↗

Wise, discerning, thoughtful, circumspect, and careful in judgment or conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

heart

↗

Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fools

↗

Persons lacking wisdom or sound judgment, especially in moral or spiritual conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 12:24

COMBINED MEANING

hand

↗

Sense 1: The part of the body at the end of the arm. Sense 2: Figuratively, power, possession, aid, or agency.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

diligent

↗

Steady, earnest, and careful in effort; or performed with persistent, attentive care.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

bear

↗

Sense 1: To carry, support, convey, endure, sustain, or be answerable for. Sense 2: To produce or bring forth offspring, fruit, or another result. Sense 3: In ‘bear witness’ or ‘bear record,’ to testify or give witness. Sense 4: A large wild animal.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

rule

↗

Sense 1: To govern, lead, direct, control, or exercise authority. Sense 2: A standard, principle, prescribed order, measuring line, boundary, or allotted sphere.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

slothful

↗

Lazy, idle, sluggish, negligent, or slow and unwilling to act or labour.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

tribute

↗

1. A tax, payment, or imposed due rendered to a ruler or governing power. 2. Labour or service imposed on a subject people. 3. A portion or offering rendered to the Lord.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.

READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Nearby verses · passage boundary unavailable · Proverbs 12:20–25

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

12:20Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy.

12:21There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

Selected passage

12:22Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Selected passage

12:23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Selected passage

12:24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

Selected passage

12:25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

LOCAL PASTOR DIRECTORY

Ask a Pastor Near You

Enter a postal code or city and region to find nearby pastors committed to holding fast the faithful word.

Search runs in your browser using downloaded location data. It does not contact churches or a geocoding service. Approximate city and postal-area locations from GeoNames, licensed under CC BY 4.0.